THIS REPORT RELATES COUNCIL TO ITEM ON THE AGENDA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

6 April 2000 NOT EXEMPT

THE STIRLING COUNCIL (C54 BALLOCHRUIN ROAD, ) (STOPPING-UP) ORDER 2000 (REF: SRO/2000(15)) POSITION STATEMENT

PURPOSE

1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform members on the current situation relating to the stopping-up Order being permanent for a section of the C54 Ballochruin Road, Killearn. Its contents should be noted.

SUMMARY

2.1 Due to the failure of one of the major trunk water mains to the parapet of the bridge on the C54 Ballochruin Road over the has been significantly damaged. The bridge is now unsafe for public use and a temporary road closure is currently in place.

2.2 West of Water Authority has appointed contractors to carry out the repair works to the water main and the masonry parapet whilst the carriageway will be temporarily reinstated, but are concerned that a future failure could occur and endanger the travelling public. At the request and on behalf of West of Scotland Water Authority, Stirling Council has now started procedures to promote an Order to stop-up a section of the C54 Ballochruin Road.

2.3 As public safety cannot be assured, Stirling Council, as Roads Authority, is duty bound to progress the Stopping-Up Procedure.

2.4 Notice of the proposal has been given and 116 letters of objection have been received. Stirling Council has notified West of Scotland Water Authority of this and has requested details of the necessary works and costs to re-open the road to vehicular traffic (subject to a weight restriction) or to non-vehicular traffic only.

2.5 Replies will be sent to all the objectors and should they choose through confirmation in writing not to withdraw their objection, details will be remitted to the Scottish Ministers, in accordance with statutory procedures, who shall determine the matter. - RECOMMENDATION(S)

3.1 To note the contents of this report, therefore ensuring that the Committee are aware of the current situation.

3.2 That Stirling Council continue negotiations with West of Scotland Water Authority with a view to re-opening the bridge.

3.3 That the committee continue to be kept informed of progress on the situation.

CONSIDERATIONS

History

4.1 The bridge over the Endrick Water on the C54 Ballochruin Road, between and Balfron Station, was constructed during the mid 19th century by engineers of the Glasgow Corporation Water Works as part of the water supply scheme. It was designed primarily as a pipe bridge but access was provided to the horses and carts which would have used the public roads at that time. The bridge was not designed to carry the level and weight of traffic which has travelled over it in recent years.

4.2 The bridge belongs to West of Scotland Water Authority, whilst the road carried by the bridge is the responsibility of Stirling Council, as Roads Authority.

Background

4.3 On the 8 September 1999 a catastrophic failure to one of the three major trunk water mains used to transfer water from Loch Katrine to Milngavie occurred. The water which escaped from the pipe failure caused significant damage to the parapet of bridge.

4.4 West of Scotland Water Authority has given the repair of the broken main and the reinstatement of the bridge a high degree of priority. However, the risks associated with simply reinstating the bridge and the road surface as it was before the incident would be unacceptable as they cannot guarantee that a future failure will not occur. Therefore, having considered the costs of the works involved, the future maintenance of the bridge and most importantly the safety of all road users, West of Scotland Water Authority believe the most appropriate action is to permanently close the section of road covered by the bridge.

4.5 West of Scotland Water Authority has therefore requested Stirling Council to stop-up a section of the C54 Ballochruin Road.

Stirling Council, as roads authority is required under the The Stopping Up of Roads and Private Accesses and the Redetermination of Public Rights of Passage (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1986 to promote this order. - West of Scotland Water Authority

4.6 In light of the number of objections, Stirling Council wrote to West of Scotland Water Authority requesting details of any investigations to determine the extent and the cost of the repairs which would enable the bridge to be re- opened subject to a weight or other restriction yet to be determined.

4.7 A reply was received and West of Scotland Water Authority has confirmed that they appointed a firm of consulting engineers to examine the possibility of improving the bridge to allow it to carry modern traffic loadings whilst ensuring that no loads were transferred onto the pipes. The preliminary estimate of the cost of the necessary improvements is £600,000 plus the cost of re-aligning the pipes on either side of the bridge at a further cost of £100,000. They have given no indication of the extent and cost of the works involved to re-open the bridge subject to a weight restriction.

4.8 Stirling Council has responded to West of Scotland Water Authority requesting further details of the assessment with a view to re-opening the bridge subject to appropriate restrictions.

4.9 As a public water authority, West of Scotland Water has stressed that their only sources of finance are income raised from customers’ charges and borrowed monies whose future financing costs have to be met from customer charges. They believe it would be inappropriate to utilise income from customers to fund the improvements necessary to provide a bridge capable of carrying current traffic loads. They have suggested that Stirling Council consider the provision and funding of an alternative crossing at this location.

Traffic Order

4.10 An Order is currently in place until 7 April 2001 to temporarily close the road to vehicular and non-vehicular traffic to ensure immediate public safety.

4.11 On behalf of West of Scotland Water Authority and given that the safety of the public is the prime concern, Stirling Council has now started procedures to promote an Order under Section 68(1) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, to permanently close this section of road to the public.

4.12 Notice of the proposal has been given and we have received 116 letters of objection.

Current Position

4.13 In accordance with ‘The Stopping Up of Roads and Private Accesses and the Re-determination of Public Rights of Passage (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1986’ the objectors will be sent an explanation of the purpose of and the need for the proposed Order, together with any comments on the terms of the objection. When an objection is made and not subsequently withdrawn, the matter shall be remitted by Stirling Council to the Scottish Ministers who shall determine the matter and may confirm the Order, with or without modifications, or refuse to confirm it. - Options

4.14 Given the views of the Council, the nature of the objections and pressure from the local community the following options will require to be considered.

• Provision of an alternative vehicular crossing. • Provision of an alternative pedestrian crossing e.g. footbridge. • Maintenance works to improve the standard and road surface of the alternative routes (in particular Road). • Provision of measures to improve safety on the alternative routes. • Traffic signing associated with the stopping-up.

5 POLICY IMPLICATIONS

5.1 Stopping-Up a section of Ballochruin Road while in the interest of public safety would be detrimental to the Council’s strategic aims of social inclusion, quality of life and the environment.

6 CONSULTATIONS

6.1 Stirling Council gave notice of the proposal to promote the Order on Friday 4 February 2000. Any person wishing to object to the making of the Order had to do so by Friday 3 March 2000.

6.2 A total number of 116 letters of objection have been received. These have been summarised and details are provided at Appendix 1. Replies will be sent to each objector and it shall be stated that should they wish to continue with their objection they should notify us in writing within 14 days. Key stages in the process are given in Appendix 2.

6.3 The emergency services were consulted and have made no comment on the proposal.

7 RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

7.1 The resource implications for the Council will be dependent on the outcome of further discussions with West of Scotland Water Authority.

7.2 The resource implications for the Council will be dependent on any decisions and recommendations made by the Scottish Ministers should the matter be remitted.

7.3 Personnel Implications

Those associated with staff should the Scottish Ministers decide that a Public Inquiry will be held. -

7.4 The provision of an alternative crossing is likely to require the purchase of adjacent land. Cost of providing alternative options are dependant on the type of crossing agreed. Details will be reported to committee when they become known.

8 BACKGROUND PAPERS

8.1 None

Author(s) Name Designation Tel No/Extension

Jillian Booth Traffic Management Team 2448 Leader

Technical Services

Approved by Name Designation Signature

Arthur Nicholls Director of Technical Services

Date 22 March 2000 Reference REP177EQ - APPENDIX 1

9 COMPLAINANT 10 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr and Mrs L Parker • Increase in traffic on Station Road. 9 Endrick Gardens Balfron • Increase in traffic through Balfron. G63 0RD Mrs Elizabeth Copp • Inconvenience to people and the mileage increase for Honeysuckly Cotage journeys. Balfron G63 0RW Mr Ian S Thornton-Kemsley • Considers that there is insufficient evidence that the Strutt & Parker road is dangerous. 28 Walker Street • Concern over West of Scotland Water’s maintenance EH3 7HR of pipes when stating the further risk for bursts. Are they abrogating their responsibility?

• Fishing rights of clients.

• Unsightly barriers/fences to prevent access to pedestrians/cyclists.

• Cost is not a reason to stop-up a road under s.68 – Stirling Council are setting out this position.

• Concern over alternative route – his client (Ballochruin Farm) estimates that the closure of the bridge will involve some 2000 journeys through Balfron centre with tractors and trailers.

• Volume of traffic through Balfron.

• Implications on local businesses – additional cost in travelling between farms, etc.

• Breach of Article 1, Protocol 1 of the Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms to which the Government is committed.

• No account taken of the losses incurred to the community and consideration has only been taken of the cost of repair. Mrs White • Increase in traffic on Station Road – cars, lorries, Ibert House buses and farm traffic – concern for children. 4 Station Road Balfron A M M Stephen • Increase in traffic through Balfron. Ballindalloch Balfron G63 0RQ -

11 COMPLAINANT 12 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr John Maclean • Increase in traffic on Gartness Road. Coraldene Gartness Road • State of repair of Gartness Road and narrowness – Balfron Station not suitable for increase in traffic. By Glasgow G63 0NJ Mr and Mrs D Steel • Used by people travelling from to and Invermay vice versa. 14 Station Road Balfron • Farmers use it to avoid taking tractors and farm G63 0SY machinery through Balfron.

• Increase in fuel costs as a result of longer alternative route. Mr David Lander • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. Secretary Drymen Community Council • Increase in volume of traffic through Killearn. C/o 17 Stirling Road Drymen • Alternative route is significantly longer. G63 0BW • Inconvenience and considerable increase in length of journey for pedestrians and cyclists. Mr D and Ms G Asquith • Increase in traffic on Gartness Road. 2 Gartness Road Killearn • Concern that this increase in traffic is on a single track Glasgow road. G63 9NT Mrs R Louisa Hennqiies • Increase in length of time of journey using alternative 53 Eglantine Road route. SW18 2DE • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron, especially farm machinery and lorries.

• Increase in volume of traffic through Killearn.

• Importance of road to the rural community. Ms Jean C E Woodburn • Importance of link for rural community for access to 7 Dunkeld Court Killearn and Fintry. Balfron Glasgow • Use of road by walkers, cyclists and fishermen. G63 OTL Ms Dorothy M Dunkinson • No specific point of objection other than closing the “Dunkyan” bridge without taking into consideration the opinion of Drumtian Road locals. Killearn • Road is a necessity for community. Mr Ian Dunkinson • Importance of this link road. “Dunkyan” Drumtian Road • Stirling Council conveniently closing road because of Killearn cost or whim. -

13 COMPLAINANT 14 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr John Cross • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. Easter Drumquhassle Farm Drymen • Gartness Road not suitable for increase in volume of Stirling traffic. G63 0DN Mr James F Bisset • Inconvenience to local residents. “Moorlands” Balfron • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron and Glasgow Killearn. G63 0PT • Implications for walkers. Mr Allan and Mrs Helen Watson • Concern at alternative route and the length of it. Spinner’s Lane 115 Main Street • Concern at motorists using an “alternative, alternative Fintry route” along Honeyholm Road and through Balfron G63 0XE Village past the school.

• Concern that this proposal may be the start of more closures of roads in the rural area. Mr Keir G Brown • Length of alternative route. 15 Station Road Balfron • Increase in traffic on Station Road, particularly heavy G63 0SX tractors and agricultural equipment. J A Harrington • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron and “Deepstones” Boquhan. Boquhan Balfron • Prospective increase in volume of traffic on A811 to Glasgow B835 at Gartinstarry. G63 0RW • Concern for emergency services who currently use the route over the Endrick bridge which often becomes impassable due to regular flooding. Where will emergency vehicles go now that Ballochruin Road is closed? This could cost lives. Alternative routes over the Endrick add 15 mins to the journey time.

• Historic, conservation and tourist issues.

• Approach Historic Scotland for financial assistance? Ms Christine Robinson • Inconvenience of alternative route along with Greenburn Croft increased fuel costs. Balfron Station Glasgow • Maintenance (lack of) of rural roads network. G63 0QY Mr Hamish Boyd • Value of road as a link between Fintry and Drymen. Secretary Fintry Community Council Bencreuch Road Fintry Glasgow G63 0LW -

15 COMPLAINANT 16 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr Murray Scrimgeour • The inevitable use of this closure as a precedent. “Old Stables” Balfron • Abrogation of responsibility to maintain roads, for only Glasgow short term financial ends is unacceptable. G63 0RQ • Both main arches of the bridge remain intact. The repairs involved are NOT as drastic as being represented as valid cause to the close the road. Ms Margaret Elder • Alternative route. 3 Indians Road Balfron Station • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. Balfron G63 0SB Mr Ken Barrett • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. Firfield Gartness Road • Deterioration in state of repair of Gartness Road. Killearn G63 9NT Ms Marianne Ross • Removal of a popular walking route. 14 Strathview Terrace Balfron • West of Scotland Water – not have insurance for this G63 0PU kind of incident? Mr Graeme M Simmers • Cost – poor reason for closing bridge. Kincaple Boquhan • West of Scotland Water and Stirling Council need to Balfron stop fighting over who is liable for repairs. G63 0RW • Poor maintenance of roads and signs in rural area.

• Increase in time and cost when using alternative route. Mrs S H V North • Lack of consideration for local residents. Maikle Boquhan Balfron • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. By Glasgow G63 0LQ • Length of alternative route and increased fuel costs.

• Increase in pollution in Balfron.

• Unsuitability of Gartness Road to cope with increase in volume of traffic making use of it.

• Should be replacing Ballochruin Bridge and not closing it. Mr Andrew Wilson • Concern over alternative route – Gartness Road not Little suitable to carry increase in volume of traffic. Killearn G63 9QB • Possibility of introducing a weight restriction on the bridge?

• Spending money to restore the bridge and then not allowing anyone to use seems ludicrous. -

17 COMPLAINANT 18 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mrs Caroline Cuthbert • Ballochruin Road is a well used route within the local Old Ballikinrain community and should not be closed. Balfron By Glasgow • Concern over alternative route. G63 0LL Mr John Minnaar • Increase in journey time using alternative route. North Cottage Old Ballikinrain • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. Balfron Glasgow • Does not agree with argument of cost and safety. G63 0LL • West of Scotland Water should admit that the problem lies with their pipes.

• West of Scotland should repair the bridge and then pass ownership over to the Council. Mr and Mrs Patrick Clark • Increase in volume of traffic on Station Road. 6 Station Road Balfron • Concern over the affect closure of Ballochruin bridge G63 0SY will have on the Endrick Bridge which is already in a bad state of repair.

• Important link for local community. Balfron Community Council • Significant inconvenience to travellers. 18 Station Road Balfron • Economic disadvantages to local businesses that are Glasgow adjacent to or served by this route. G63 0SY • Importance of the bridge to local heritage.

• Architecture of the bridge – tourism aspect.

• River Endrick is an SSSI.

• Popular route for cyclists, joggers and walkers. It figures in planned river walks which are supported by Stirling Council.

• Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron and Killearn.

• Important alternative route is lost in the event of an accident on the A875, A81 or the C21.

• Concern over people using the bridge despite the fact that it may be closed – Stirling Council should be liable for injury sustained. -

19 COMPLAINANT 20 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr David N Clark • Inconvenience to local residents and businesses. Drumore Farm Balfron Station • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road, Glasgow especially heavy goods vehicles. G63 0NJ • Deterioration of Gartness Road.

• Possibility of serious accidents elsewhere in the locality. Mr and Mrs Alexander Haig • Inconvenience to farms over alternative route. Meadowside Mains of Branshogle • Unsuitability of using Balfron and Station Road for Fintry Road farm vehicles. By Balfron G63 0RR • Movement of cattle and sheep between the two farms is much more difficult.

• Speeding traffic on Station Road and Gartness Road.

• Lack of consultation with local residents. Mr Wilson • Inconvenience to local residents and businesses. Heron’s Court Killearn • Breaking up of small community. By Glasgow G63 9PZ • Increase in volume of traffic on the congested and dangerous alternative route. Mrs Jennifer Simmers • Unsuitable and lengthy alternative route. Kincaple Boquhan • State of repair and unsuitability of Gartness Road. Balfron • This route is a vital link to the rural community. G63 0RW K Smith • Importance of route to the local community. Ashbank 1 Old Road Drymen Glasgow G63 0BW Ms Elizabeth B Alexander • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. “Blairdevon” Gartness Road • Unsuitability of Gartness Road for volume of traffic. Killearn Glasgow • Main Killearn cemetery at bottom of hill on Gartness G63 9NT Road…chaos when there is a burial taking place. -

21 COMPLAINANT 22 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr Ian Pascoe • Increase in volume of traffic in Balfron. Carbeth Lodge Killearn • Loss of an excellent walking route. Glasgow G63 9QB • Unhappy with alternative route. Ms Barbara McDade • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. Drumore Cottage Gartness Road • Unsuitability of Gartness Road for this volume of Balfron Station traffic. Glasgow G63 0NJ Mr Jim and Pat Thomson • Inconvenience to the local community. Cauldstream Cottage Keirhall Farm • West of Scotland Water should repair. Balfron G63 0LG Mrs J R Wilson • Important link for the local community – Heron’s Court inconvenience. Killearn Stirling • Also only route available to Killearn and Fintry if the G63 9PZ river is flooded over Balfron Bridge (Endrick Bridge??).

• Unsuitability of Gartness Road as an alternative route. Ms Penelope Nicholls • Inconvenience to the local community. Boquhan Cottage Balfron G63 0LH Mr Peter Wilks • Essential link for the local community going from both Secretary Fintry and the A81 and between Killearn and Killearn Community Council Aberfoyle. Machar House Killearn • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road and Glasgow the serious disrepair of this road. G63 9PY • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron.

• Extra costs to farmers located on either side of the bridge – hugely increased travelling.

• In the event of the closure of the Endrick Bridge due to flooding, the route for emergency services would then be very lengthy.

• Unreasonable to expect pedestrians and cyclists to take such a long detour.

• The bridge will have to be re-built to carry the pipes and should also be made suitable for carrying traffic. Mrs Jane L Hunter • Inconvenience to the local community. 11 Lampson Road Killearn • Lengthy alternative route. Glasgow G63 9PD • Also uses route regularly as a cycling route. -

23 COMPLAINANT 24 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr David and Mrs Belinda Amon • Inconvenience of the closure of an important link to 19 Burns-Begg Crescent the local community. Balfron Glasgow • Closure of a popular walking and cycling route. G63 0NR • In the event of flooding between Boquhan and Balfron the alternative route was over Ballochruin Bridge. What will be the impact to the emergency services if this option is not available?

• Further discrimination against rural community. Mr John S Denholm • Inconvenience of the closure of an important link to Camoquhill Douglas the local community. Balfron By Glasgow • Lengthy alternative route. G63 0QP • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. Mr Bonar G Hardie • Unsuitability of Gartness Road as an alternative route Fairwinds – narrow and dangerous. Endrick Road Killearn • Increase in volume of traffic on Station Road. By Glasgow G63 9QD • Inconvenience to the local community. Mrs A Henson • Inconvenience to the local community – well used Park of Drumquhassle route. Important link for local community. Drymen Glasgow • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. G63 0DN • Unsuitability of Gartness Road for increase in traffic – poor state of repair. Mrs Margaret Burgess • Well used link by local community. Talanalt Fintry • Lengthy alternative route. G63 0XG Mrs Anne Currie • Important link for the local community. Ballat Smithy Balfron Station • Severe consequences to local farms and businesses – Stirling increased costs for using alternative route. G63 0SE • Road safety consequences of the increased use of the single track Gartness Road.

• Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron.

• Importance of route for recreational purposes. A S Young • Important link for the local community. “Lynvue” Boquhan • West of Scotland Water should use increase in Balfron charges to do work. By Glasgow G63 0RW • Length of alternative route. -

25 COMPLAINANT 26 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr C J Drapper • Impact of closure on farms and local businesses. Kilewnan Cottage Fintry • Increase in volume of traffic on alternative route, in By Glasgow particular on the single track Gartness Road. G63 0YH Ms Susan M Ogden • Removal of an important link for the local community – East Barn inconvenience. Drumtian Farm Balfron G63 0NP Mr George Brown • Important link to the local community. 9 Printers Row Balfron • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. Glasgow G63 0RH • Impact on local businesses. Mrs E A Lawrence • Increase in volume of traffic on Station Road and 4 The Old Manse through Balfron. Station Road Balfron • Important link to the local community. G63 0SX Dr Crispin Bennett • Wishes route to remain open for pedestrians and 23 Baxter Street cyclists – safe route which avoids the busy A875. Fallin Stirling FK7 7ET Mr Sinclair and Ms Nancy Calder • Important link to the local community. Woodlands Buchanan Castle Drymen G63 0HX Ms Kirsty Cuthbert • Maintenance of rights of way/access. The Myreton Kippen • Important link to the local community. FK8 3JL Ms Elizabeth Guest • Important link to the local community. 2 Coltbridge Terrace Edinburgh • Impact on local farmers. EH12 6AE • Tourist link. Mr Terrence Levinthal • Continued decline of the bridge if it should be closed. Technical Director The Scottish Civic Trust • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. The Tobacco Merchants House 42 Miller Street • Wants an independent structural engineer’s report Glasgow commissioned. G1 1DT • Wants a weight limit introduced on bridge. -

27 COMPLAINANT 28 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Ms Mary A Bates • Important link to the local community. 1 Buchanan Street Balfron • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. G63 0RL • Increase in volume of farm traffic through Balfron.

• Increase in travelling costs to local farmers who will have to use alternative route.

• Important part of the heritage of the area.

• Listed structure – should be preserved.

• Importance of route for recreational activities (walking, cycling). Mrs Mary Milton • Important link to the local community. 3 Cayzer Court • Unsuitability of Gartness Road as an alternative. Mr Cameron Gordon • Increase in fuel costs and time using alternative route Balnakyle (local business). Boquhan Balfron • Increase in volume of traffic through Boquhan. Glasgow G63 0RW • Concerned at Council’s attitude to tax payers.

• Service level from Technical Services is deplorable. Dr Michael Bath • Important link to the local community. 6 Roman Road Balfron • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron and G63 0PW Killearn.

• Council should repair – our neglect of this and the local road network is deplorable. Mr William and Ms Pauline Lowell • Important link to the local community. Iona Ballikinrain School • Lengthy alternative route. Balfron G63 0LL • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. -

29 COMPLAINANT 30 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Dr P and Mrs G Smith • West of Scotland Water should be made to reinstate 7 Napier Road the bridge. Killearn Glasgow • Important link to the local community. G63 9PB • Length of alternative route.

• Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron.

• Increased pollution in Balfron.

• Loss of tourist route.

• Unsuitable use of Gartness Road as a short cut – road is single track and in poor repair.

• Loss of pedestrian, cyclist and horse riding route. Mr Allan W Drewette • Wide ranging report. See separetely. Glencorse Gartness Road Killearn Stirling G63 9NT Prof Alex P W Gardner • Wants a public meeting. 102 Buchanan Street Balfron • Wants an explanation as to why West of Scotland G63 0TQ Water are not liable for the costs of repair.

• What did the Council do to ensure that West of Scotland Water maintained the bridge properly?

• Loss of an important link to the local community. Mrs A Johnston • Petition enclosed. The Chelms Balfron Station • Importance of route for vehicular, ambulatory and Stirling cycle access as well as those with equestrian interest. G63 0QN • Loss of right of access. Dr Arthur Burgess • Important link to the local community. Talanalt Fintry G63 0XG R D Morris • Important link to the local community. Netherton of Glenboig Fintry • Poor state of repair of roads in rural community. Stirling G63 0YH -

31 COMPLAINANT 32 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

W M Oswald • Important link to the local community. Community Councillor Community Council • Introduce a weight restriction on the bridge. 14 Blane Crescent • Maintain access for pedestrians and cyclist. Glasgow G63 9HT Mr Michael Brady • Route used by anglers travelling from Stirling, Falkirk Chairman and Secretary and Fintry to . Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association • Bridge is widely used by anglers going from one side PO Box 3559 of the river to the other. Glasgow G71 7SJ • Heritage importance. C MacDonald • Important link to the local community – especially The Aquare businesses. Drymen Ms Joanna Donaldson • Important link to the local community. Keirhill Balfron • Delay to emergency vehicles when called out. By Glasgow G63 0LG Mr John Digney • Important link to the local community. Creagmhor Lodge Lochard Road • Lengthy alternative route. Aberfoyle Stirling • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron and FK8 3TD Killearn.

• Loss of recreational aspect – pedestrians and cyclists. Ms V L Carmichael • Increased fuel costs to local farmers having to use a National Farmers’ Union of Scotland substantially longer alternative route. Eldon House 74 Townhead • Increased time involved in travelling. Glasgow • Increase in farm traffic travelling through Balfron. G66 1NZ • Possible increase in smells and noise. Ms Mary J Dunlop • Important link to the local community. Gean Tree Cottage Station Road • Loss of recreational aspect – walkers and cyclists. Balfron Glasgow • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. G63 0SX • Increase in volume of traffic on Balfron Station Road – feels route is not suitable for additional heavy traffic.

• Concern over small bridge on Station Road which crosses a burn – can this withstand the pressure of traffic? -

33 COMPLAINANT 34 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr John Gleave • Important link to the local community. 24 Muirpark Way Drymen • Lengthy alternative route. By Glasgow G63 0DX Mr John Gleave • Removal of well used cycling route which is safer than Club Captain the alternative route. Strathendrick & District Cycling Club 24 Muirpark Way Drymen By Glasgow G63 0DX Ms Annette MacDonald • Important link to the local community. Garden House Balfron • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. G63 0LL • Inconvenience. Ms Sarah Hall • Important link to the local community. The Firs Gartness Road • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. Killearn Glasgow • Unsuitability of Gartness Road for this increase in G63 9NT volume of traffic.

• Gartness Road is used by many joggers, cyclists and pedestrians – increase in volume of traffic is compromising safety. Mr John R Wilson • No plan to upgrade alternative routes – especially Heron’s Court Gartness Road which is in a state of disrepair and is Killearn carrying an increased volume of traffic. Glasgow G63 9PZ • West of Scotland Water have not explored alternatives to the closure of the bridge – if they have these are not available.

• If there is a risk here due to the water pipes, then there are other locations which pose the same risk – no proposals for closure there.

• Destruction of many recreational uses – walking, cycling and equestrians. Ms Sarah Guy • Important link to the community. “Carn Mhor” Keil School Helenslee Road Dumbarton G82 4AL Mrs June Muirhead • Important link to the community. Glenview Fintry Glasgow G63 0XJ -

35 COMPLAINANT 36 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr Richard Drew • Important link to the local community. Redyett Balfron • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. Glasgow G63 0RP • Length of alternative route.

• Problems turning right at T junction from Station Road – increased traffic will increase the likelihood of accidents. Mr Brian and Ms Shena Porteous • Important link to the local community – walking, Croft House cycling and driving. 2 Spoker’s Loan Balfron By Glasgow G63 0PA Mr Colin Cameron • Important link to the local community. 2 The Old Manse Station Road • Loss of recreational aspect – walking, cycling and Balfron horse riding. G63 0SX Mr Eric and Ms Elizabeth Brander • Important link to the local community. 32 Allan Road Killearn • Impact on local businesses and farms. Glasgow G63 9QE • Pressure and volume of traffic on Gartness Road and Station Road. Mr Peter Craig • Important link to the local community. Chairman Balfron Community Futures • Loss of recreational aspect – walkers, cyclists and 43 Dunkeld Court horse riders. Balfron G63 0TL Mr James M Main • Loss of recreational aspect – regularly walks from 1A Cotton Street Balfron – Killearn via path on the banks of River Balfron Endrick. When Ballochruin Bridge reached it is Glasgow necessary to cross to continue the walk on the other G63 0TD side of the water.

• Environmental Services currently trying to establish a network of walks and footpaths in the area – we care closing one.

• Impact on anglers.

• We should be looking at providing an alternative crossing for pedestrians and cyclists if we go ahead and close the bridge. Mr and Mrs H Inglis • Important link to the local community. 3 Little Boquhan Balfron • Concern over delays to emergency services in bridge G63 0RW is closed. -

37 COMPLAINANT 38 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

N R Lilley • Important link to the local community. 16 Branziert Road North Killearn • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron and Glasgow Killearn. G63 9RF • Impact on local businesses due to lengthy alternative route. Ms Fiona Paterson • Important link to the local community. 15 Balfron Road Killearn • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. G63 9NN Mr John Buchan & Mrs Madelaine • Important link to the local community. Buchan Old Balglas Mount Farm Fintry Glasgow G63 0YH Ms Felicity J B Duff • Important link to the community. Wester Auchentroig • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. FK8 3PB Mr Thomas B Baird • Important link to the community. Dean Cottage Fintry • General poor state of roads/bridges in this area. Glasgow G63 0YH Mr and Mrs C Porterfield • Important link to the local community. Drumyn 5 Gartness Court Drymen G63 0AX Mr John Barrington • Important link to the local community. Glengyle House Loch Katrine Aberfoyle FK8 3UA Ms Carolyn J Hendry • Important link to the local community. North Ballochruin Farm Balfron • Impact on local farms – especially those bordering the Glasgow bridge…in effect the farm is now split and there is G63 0LE considerable time and money involved in using the alternative route to go from one part of the farm to the other – Mr Cuthbert.

• Loss of recreational aspect – walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Mrs Joan Dymond • Important link to the local community. 44 Dunmore Street Balfron • Increase in volume of traffic in Balfron. G63 0TX • Impact on local farms – Mr Cuthbert. -

39 COMPLAINANT 40 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr Hugh C Rae • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road and Drumore Farm Cottage unsuitability of Gartness Road to carry this traffic. Balfron Station Glasgow • Important link to the local community. G63 0NJ Mr David and Ms Susan Dunaway • Important link to the local community. Armadale Boquhan • Impact on local farms and businesses. Balfron Glasgow • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. G63 0RW Ms Rosalind Gibin • Important link to the local community. Thistle Cottage Greenend Road • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron and on Killearn Station Road. Glasgow G63 9NP Mr Ian and Ms Kathleen Wright • Important link to the local community. 46 Branziert Road North Killearn • Weight restriction on bridge? G63 9RF • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road.

• Loss of recreational aspect – walking, cycling and horse riding.

• Length of alternative route. J G and K M Carruthers • Important link to the local community. Lower Gartacharn Balfron Station • Closure would reduce diversion options in the event Balfron on future temporary closures on other roads. Glasgow G63 0NH • Why can’t compromise be reached on repair of bridge between Council and West of Scotland Water.

• Precedent for future closure of minor roads. Mr John Laing • Important link to the local community. Netherton Cottage Main Street • Impact on local farms and businesses. Fintry Glasgow • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road and G63 0XF unsuitability of this and the Honeyholm-Balfron route as alternative routes. Ms Charlotte Hunt • Important link to the local community. Keirhill Balfron • Loss of recreational aspect – walking, cycling and G63 0LG horse riding.

• Impact on access for emergency vehicles should bridge be closed.

• Unsuitability of Gartness Road to carry traffic. -

41 COMPLAINANT 42 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr Nigel C Kelly • Important link to the local community. 1 Birch Road Killearn • Important link for local farmers and businesses – Glasgow concern over impact closure will have on them. G63 9SG • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron and Killearn.

• Stirling Council should be meeting its statutory duty to maintain and repair roads. Mr and Mrs J White • Important link to the local community. Orchid House Ballikinrain Castle Gardens • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. Balfron Glasgow • Increase in volume of traffic on Station Road. G63 0LL • Increase in farm vehicles through Balfron. R H D Hoyle • Important link to the local community. Hilltops Boquhan • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron and Balfron Killearn and in particular on Gartness Road which is Glasgow unsuitable for carrying extra volume of traffic. G63 0RW • Loss of recreational aspect – walking, cycling and horse riding.

• Increased costs due to lengthy alternative route. Mr Robert R Johnson • Important link to the local community. 30 Muirpark Way Drymen • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron – G63 0DX particularly past High School.

• Increase in costs due to lengthy alternative route.

• Pollution. Mrs Marjory Barrington • Important link to the local community. Back Borland Farm Gartmore • Are Stirling Council obliged to close road? By Stirling FK8 3RY • Can Stirling Council and West of Scotland Water not reach some agreement regarding the bridge’s repair? Ms Moyra C Simpson • Important link to the local community. 21 Main Street Killearn • Increase in volume of traffic on Gartness Road. Glasgow G63 9RJ • Unsuitability of Gartness Road to carry increase in traffic. Mrs Susan Kellie • Loss of recreational aspect – walking, cycling and 16 South Lomond Terrace horse riding. Balfron Glasgow G63 0PN -

43 COMPLAINANT 44 NATURE OF COMPLAINT

Mr John and Ms Roslyn Ford • Important link to the local community. South Lodge Ballindalloch • Increase in volume of traffic through Balfron. Balfron G63 0RQ - APPENDIX 2 Key Stages in Stopping-Up Process

(In accordance with The Stopping-Up of Roads and Private Accesses and the Redetermination of Public Rights of Passage (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1986)

• Stirling Council, as Roads Authority, advertise the proposal and invite objections within a stated period of time. (4 February 2000)

• On receipt of an objection the Roads Authority responds to the objector, giving an explanation of the purpose of the Order and commenting on the specific terms of the objection. (16 March 2000)

• In order to comply with the regulations, the Roads Authority must ask the objector to confirm or withdraw their objection.

• If the objection is not withdrawn the matter is remitted to the Scottish Ministers for determination.

• The Scottish Ministers will consider the matter and the objections and will either confirm the Order, with or without modifications, or refuse the Order. This decision will be notified in writing to the Council and the objectors.